Bangs get a lot of hate they don’t deserve. People still try to tell you that they just won’t look good unless you’re French. That’s nonsense. Indeed, bangs don’t always compliment every set of features, but there’s no reason to fear bangs. In fact, bangs are handy things that won’t end your life.

People who are terrified of bangs think there’s something about a “fashion girl’s” high-maintenance, sharp sense of style that means they’re the only ones allowed to have bangs. It’s not about their bone structure — it’s their natural habit of existing in a permanently well-groomed state, the fact that they look coquettish in a newsboy cap, and their uncanny ability to eat condiments in a crisply tailored white shirt. But effortlessly manicured woman aren’t the only candidates for bangs.

Before we talk about the countless life benefits of bangs, let’s get rid of your worst fear: yes, fringe changes your look drastically. If they do end up looking awkward at first, it’s only temporary. Even the really severe damage, the kind that makes you want to fake a coma until your bangs grow out, never lasts THAT long. Sometimes, it will be awkward for a a few days and then you’ll soon discover your forehead security blanket is back quicker than Azealia Banks on a Twitter fast.

The extent to which people disapproved of Beyonce’s blunt bangs is warranted. This was not your prime Yonce. No wonder we fear that bangs will hold hostage on our heads when, for a moment on line, a bangs misstep can bring down a woman whose confidence you covet. Helmet bangs are never a good look, but even if you’re not wearing weave, they don’t last forever. (During this period, some people recommend raising your eyebrows to account for the problematic presence of your forehead, but that’s a bit much.) As far as fashion’s blessed French girls, there’s Caroline de Maigret with her piecey cool girl bangs, and then there’s Amelie’s elfin variety. If someone butchers your fringe in pursuit of either of these and you end up inexplicably resembling a Beatle, ride it out. The end game juice can be worth the squeeze.

Here’s why. Even if you’re a klutz, the look is easy to maintain yourself. You can keep them up by twisting them together in a bundle and snipping upward with scissors. Even better, salons will often do them for free for walk-ins. You’ll be in and out with a fresh look before passersby have a chance to point at your forehead acne. Once you have them, you’ll wake up every day already contoured. Plus, think of the money you’ll save on Botox.

We know the struggle is real. It sucks that bangs get greasy quicker than the rest of your hair and body. Solution: you can gun them down with dry shampoo layer by layer starting from the bottom. If you don’t like them, you can push them back for a few days with a headband or try countless other fixes. Too frizzy for you? Use a bobby pin. Still freaked out? Get the kind of trim that can be pushed to the side, for a flexible look.

With bangs, you’ll always look like those #TBT pictures of when you were a child. Think of how easily you’ll be recognized by your early childhood crushes if they turn up back in your life. You never know, Henry is probably awesome now that he’s longer incontinent when he giggles.